Carne Asada is a Mexican recipe for marinated, grilled beef served in in tortillas. This is not your run of the mill taco. This is a flavorful and delicious meal that is great for any occasion.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Ingredients:
2 pounds skirt steak
12 flour tortillas
1/2 cup tequila
1/4 cup lime juice
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup orange juice
4 cloves garlic crushed
1 medium onion chopped
2 teaspoons black pepper
1 cup salsa
1 cup guacamole
2 teaspoons Tabasco
Preparation:Mix juices, garlic, onion, tequila, Tabasco and pepper in a bowl. Add meat and marinate both sides. Cover and refrigerate, turning meat over occasionally. Let steak marinade for 6 to 8 hours. Preheat grill. Place a few drops of water on each tortilla, stack and wrap in aluminum foil. Place on grill. Remove meat from marinade, reserving marinade. Place on grill. Turn steak and tortillas once during cooking. Brush steak with remaining marinade. Cook to your liking (12 to 15 minutes for medium-rare). Cut into thin slices. Place a few slices of steak on each tortilla with salsa and guacamole and serve.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Friday, March 26, 2010
It's okay to eat vegetables that don't talk!
Looking for a meaningful project to do with your kids this weekend? Plant a small garden!
My daughter and I stumbled across these at Lowe's this week! Veggie Tales Garden Kits!! So precious! They have every vegetable you can imagine and the best part is their slogan: "It's okay to eat vegetables that don't talk!"
You can buy the kits, or you can buy the individual seed packets. The price seems to range from $1.99-$10 for the whole kit!
Get outside and do something that will teach your kids the value of planting their own food!
Friday, March 19, 2010
Divas Item of the Week - Hot Tops! for Haiti
Help support the children of Haiti!
$2.50 from the purchase of each Hot Tops! for Haiti goes to Haitian relief organizations. Please specify at the time of ordering if necklace is for boy or girl. Also indicate pink or black suede cord.
These children need your support!
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Entertaining Tip - Handle Your Cookies With Care
Handle Your Cookies with Care
Cookies are a great dessert for many reasons.
First, they go great with milk. Second, almost everyone, young and old, has a favorite cookie. And for the host they are a great make ahead treat that can be served as part of a dessert buffet, on top of ice cream, or just offered with a nice cup of tea or coffee.
If you decide to make cookies a part of your dessert menu, be sure to store them in an airtight container such as a plastic storage container, cookie tin, or even a plastic bag. But before you store freshly made cookies, be careful that they are completely cooled, and any frosting or decoration has completely dried. This way you can be assured they won't be soggy or spoiled when you finally put them out for serving.
About.com
Cookies are a great dessert for many reasons.
First, they go great with milk. Second, almost everyone, young and old, has a favorite cookie. And for the host they are a great make ahead treat that can be served as part of a dessert buffet, on top of ice cream, or just offered with a nice cup of tea or coffee.
If you decide to make cookies a part of your dessert menu, be sure to store them in an airtight container such as a plastic storage container, cookie tin, or even a plastic bag. But before you store freshly made cookies, be careful that they are completely cooled, and any frosting or decoration has completely dried. This way you can be assured they won't be soggy or spoiled when you finally put them out for serving.
About.com
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
DIVA FIND: Little Divas - Fashion Sticker Time!
I stumbled across this great sticker fun for my 3 year old. She hasn't stopped playing with it for 2 days!
It's the Melissa and Doug Sticker Collection - Fashion! With over 600 stickers, 10 pages of fashion and lots of room for creative interpretation, let your little diva show off her fashionista skills!
I bought mine for $10 at the airport, but found Amazon carries it for just $5.74! Melissa and Doug also carries a Pink and Blue Sticker collection. The pink set include princesses and other girly stickers while the boys have firetrucks, reptiles and other fun boyish designs.
A local toy store in my area also recommended I try the Usborne collection of stickers. They, too, seem to have a huge range of sticker games and fun!
Let us know if you have any fun sticker games we can check out!
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
I met a lady on a plane last night that was in the wig business. She got me thinking about the time Kristi needed a wig after cancer treatment. I thought Kristi would appreciate me passing on this information to others who may have the same need.
Free Wigs for Cancer Patients
5 Places to Get a Free Wig During Cancer Treatment
By Pam Stephan, About.com Guide
Updated July 31, 2009
Chemotherapy fights cancer but it also causes hair loss. Radiation therapy to your head can also cause hair loss. And that leads us to the need for a popular head covering -- a wig! A wig can cost from $40 to thousands of dollars. But when your budget is already strained by the cost of surgery and other treatments, even a $40 wig on sale may seem out of reach. Fortunately, there are ways to find free wigs. Here are five places to look for a free wig during cancer treatment.
American Cancer Society1-800-227-2345The American Cancer Society accepts donations of wigs, which they collect in wig banks at their local chapters. These wigs have been cleaned and kept ready for use. If you have no health insurance and are in need of help, contact your local American Cancer Society office and ask about patient services. Some of the wigs are distributed through ACS and some are given out at local Look Good Feel Better meetings, along with cosmetics and head coverings.
CancerCare1-800-813-HOPE (4673)
As part of their Women's Cancer Program, CancerCare offers financial assistance and counseling, support groups, and patient education. They also provide free wigs and breast prostheses to women who have lost their hair or a breast as a result of their cancer treatment.
Breast Cancer Network of Strength1-800-221-2141
When the Y-Me National Breast Cancer Organization changed its name to Breast Cancer Network of Strength, it didn't change its mission. BCNS provides wigs, prostheses and mastectomy bras to women whose budget just won't stretch to cover the cost of those items. Contact them to find out where the closest affiliate office is located that has a Wig & Prosthesis Bank. BCNS offices often have salons where women can try on items before taking them home.
Crickett's Answer for Cancer1-301-935-4411
This nonprofit organization provides free wigs, mastectomy products, mastectomy and lymphedema massage, facials, and other pampering services, as a way to keep a woman feeling feminine and beautiful despite losing her hair and/or breasts. Crickett's was founded in honor of Crickett Julius, who passed away in October of 2006, only four months after being diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer at the age of 39. Crickett's is based in south central Pennsylvania, Baltimore, Maryland and Washington, D.C. areas. Carole Trone, a co-founder of Crickett's says, "We provide assistance to women all across the U.S. We mail or email an enrollment packet, and then either order wigs online or arrange for other products or services with vendors in the client's local area.
"Canadian Cancer Society1-416-961-7223
In Canada, Pantene Beautiful Lengths and the Canadian Cancer Society have joined forces to encourage women to donate their hair for wigs that will be made and distributed to women who have lost their hair due to cancer treatment. Pantene provides the hair requirements, a donation kit, and advice about how to hold a hair cutting event. Six ponytails are required to create one wig, which will be given away through the Canadian Cancer Society.
Pay It Forward
When your hair has grown back and you feel ready to show off your chemo curls, donate your wig to a cancer support organization, so someone else can enjoy it. If you have trouble finding a place that will take donated wigs, contact your local hospital and ask if they have a cancer clinic - they may be looking for donations of cancer care items. You may also donate money to registered charities that supply wigs to women who are in treatment for breast cancer but cannot afford the price of a wig. Having a flattering wig can help a woman feel that she looks attractive -- this can lift her spirits greatly during a time when she is fighting cancer. After a wig has served you well, consider giving it a new life with another survivor.
Free Wigs for Cancer Patients
5 Places to Get a Free Wig During Cancer Treatment
By Pam Stephan, About.com Guide
Updated July 31, 2009
Chemotherapy fights cancer but it also causes hair loss. Radiation therapy to your head can also cause hair loss. And that leads us to the need for a popular head covering -- a wig! A wig can cost from $40 to thousands of dollars. But when your budget is already strained by the cost of surgery and other treatments, even a $40 wig on sale may seem out of reach. Fortunately, there are ways to find free wigs. Here are five places to look for a free wig during cancer treatment.
American Cancer Society1-800-227-2345The American Cancer Society accepts donations of wigs, which they collect in wig banks at their local chapters. These wigs have been cleaned and kept ready for use. If you have no health insurance and are in need of help, contact your local American Cancer Society office and ask about patient services. Some of the wigs are distributed through ACS and some are given out at local Look Good Feel Better meetings, along with cosmetics and head coverings.
CancerCare1-800-813-HOPE (4673)
As part of their Women's Cancer Program, CancerCare offers financial assistance and counseling, support groups, and patient education. They also provide free wigs and breast prostheses to women who have lost their hair or a breast as a result of their cancer treatment.
Breast Cancer Network of Strength1-800-221-2141
When the Y-Me National Breast Cancer Organization changed its name to Breast Cancer Network of Strength, it didn't change its mission. BCNS provides wigs, prostheses and mastectomy bras to women whose budget just won't stretch to cover the cost of those items. Contact them to find out where the closest affiliate office is located that has a Wig & Prosthesis Bank. BCNS offices often have salons where women can try on items before taking them home.
Crickett's Answer for Cancer1-301-935-4411
This nonprofit organization provides free wigs, mastectomy products, mastectomy and lymphedema massage, facials, and other pampering services, as a way to keep a woman feeling feminine and beautiful despite losing her hair and/or breasts. Crickett's was founded in honor of Crickett Julius, who passed away in October of 2006, only four months after being diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer at the age of 39. Crickett's is based in south central Pennsylvania, Baltimore, Maryland and Washington, D.C. areas. Carole Trone, a co-founder of Crickett's says, "We provide assistance to women all across the U.S. We mail or email an enrollment packet, and then either order wigs online or arrange for other products or services with vendors in the client's local area.
"Canadian Cancer Society1-416-961-7223
In Canada, Pantene Beautiful Lengths and the Canadian Cancer Society have joined forces to encourage women to donate their hair for wigs that will be made and distributed to women who have lost their hair due to cancer treatment. Pantene provides the hair requirements, a donation kit, and advice about how to hold a hair cutting event. Six ponytails are required to create one wig, which will be given away through the Canadian Cancer Society.
Pay It Forward
When your hair has grown back and you feel ready to show off your chemo curls, donate your wig to a cancer support organization, so someone else can enjoy it. If you have trouble finding a place that will take donated wigs, contact your local hospital and ask if they have a cancer clinic - they may be looking for donations of cancer care items. You may also donate money to registered charities that supply wigs to women who are in treatment for breast cancer but cannot afford the price of a wig. Having a flattering wig can help a woman feel that she looks attractive -- this can lift her spirits greatly during a time when she is fighting cancer. After a wig has served you well, consider giving it a new life with another survivor.
Monday, March 15, 2010
What's For Supper Ya'll - Taco Ring
Serves/Makes:8
Ingredients
1/2 lb (.2 kg). ground beef, cooked and drained
1 1.25 oz (35 grm) package taco seasoning mix
1 cup (225 ml) shredded cheddar cheese
2 tbsp (30 ml) water
2 8 oz (224 grm). pkgs. refrigerated crescent roll dough
1 med. green bell pepper
1/2 head lettuce, shredded
1 med. tomato, cubed
1 small onion, chopped
1/2 cup (125 ml) whole pitted black olives, sliced
1 cup (225 ml) salsa
sour cream
Preparation
Preheat oven to 375 degrees (200 C.).
Combine meat, seasoning mix, cheese and water in 2 qt. batter bowl.
Arrange crescent triangles in a circle on a 13" round baking stone, with bases overlapping in center and points to outside (there should be a five inch diameter circle in center).
Using medium stainless steel scoop (approx. 2 T) spoon meat mixture over rolls.
Fold points of triangles over filling and tuck under base at center (filling will not be completely covered).
Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown.
Using V-shaped cutter, cut off top of bell pepper.
Place bell pepper in center of ring; fill with salsa.
Mound lettuce, onion, tomato and olives around pepper.
Using easy accent decorator, garnish with sour cream.
Cut and serve.
Ingredients
1/2 lb (.2 kg). ground beef, cooked and drained
1 1.25 oz (35 grm) package taco seasoning mix
1 cup (225 ml) shredded cheddar cheese
2 tbsp (30 ml) water
2 8 oz (224 grm). pkgs. refrigerated crescent roll dough
1 med. green bell pepper
1/2 head lettuce, shredded
1 med. tomato, cubed
1 small onion, chopped
1/2 cup (125 ml) whole pitted black olives, sliced
1 cup (225 ml) salsa
sour cream
Preparation
Preheat oven to 375 degrees (200 C.).
Combine meat, seasoning mix, cheese and water in 2 qt. batter bowl.
Arrange crescent triangles in a circle on a 13" round baking stone, with bases overlapping in center and points to outside (there should be a five inch diameter circle in center).
Using medium stainless steel scoop (approx. 2 T) spoon meat mixture over rolls.
Fold points of triangles over filling and tuck under base at center (filling will not be completely covered).
Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown.
Using V-shaped cutter, cut off top of bell pepper.
Place bell pepper in center of ring; fill with salsa.
Mound lettuce, onion, tomato and olives around pepper.
Using easy accent decorator, garnish with sour cream.
Cut and serve.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Hearts For Haiti NJ 2010 - Unite and Inspire
I want to introduce you to a wonderful organization - Hearts For Haiti NJ 2010 - co-created by a friend of mine, Lauren Cantor!
It all started as a discussion between a mother and her child. Elle Cantor, a third grader at Torey J. Sabatini Elementary School in Madison, New Jersey, was watching “Good Morning America” with her mom, Lauren Cantor, as part of a daily morning routine before school. On this particular day, the GMA team was covering the story of the the devastating earthquake in Haiti. Elle was very disturbed by the images she saw on television, especially those of the Haitian children, so she asked her mother how she could help. Like many other children affected by this disaster, she started brainstorming about how to raise money in her school. Her initial ideas included a lemonade stand, a bake sale, and a toy sale; then she came up with the idea to have an art sale at school. With the assistance of her mother, the idea was expanded, and the concept for Hearts for Haiti was born.
The concept: Recruit local artists to create original art inspired by the tragedy in Haiti. These designs would then be converted into 4×6 note card replicas of the original art and sold at Torey J. Sabatini Elementary School in time for for Valentines Day. Eventually, some of the designs would also be made into T-Shirts and sold at the school, as well. As soon as the first Madison artist committed to the project, Lauren pitched the idea to Elle’s school Principal, Michael Post. He liked it so much that he asked to share the idea with some of the other Principals in the school system, and Dr. Richard Noonan, Superintendent of The Madison Public Schools . What started as a small fundraiser for one little elementary school, within hours turned into a fundraiser for the entire school system.
In a period of just one week, the word spread even further. The response was awe-inspiring. Fifteen local artists willingly enlisted, businesses joined in as sponsors, private Madison schools signed up to implement the fundraiser in their own schools, and residents generously volunteered to roll up their sleeves and jump in to help. With the support and endorsement of the local chapter of the American Red Cross, The Madison Chamber of Commerce, several Madison schools, local and family owned businesses and a very talented artistic community, our small suburban town of Madison, New Jersey, with a population of approximately 16,500, banned together to rally for the cause. Miraculously, Elle’s idea for a single elementary school fundraiser turned into a major community initiative.
(the above text taken from Hearts For Haiti NJ 2010 website)
Also, if you'd like to support Hearts For Haiti NJ 2010 by purchasing a Hot Tops!(tm) Bottlecap Necklace, go to www.cookies4acause.com/shop. In the comments section of your order, specify you'd like $2.50 from the purchase of your Hot Tops!(tm) to go to Hearts For Haiti NJ 2010.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Make Up 101 - Rosy Radiance
Creating a natural, rosy radiance.
When applying blush, you want the color to look soft and natural, as if it comes from within. Read below for tips on how to put on make-up.
1. Tap or lightly blow on the applicator brush to remove any excess blush before applying to prevent a harsh and uneven application.
2. Apply your blush on the apple of the cheek and carefully blend towards your natural hairline.
3. If you have two shades, apply the darker one on the apple of the cheek first, then use the lighter shade to highlight. Blend well so there is no visible line between colors.4. Highlight your temples, forehead and chin.
Tip: To know "where to glow" bend over for 30 seconds, then slowly stand up. Where your cheeks are flushed is where you are meant to blush. Apply your blush there and it will be naturally rosy every time.
Tip: Cheek color should be used to enhance your complexion, not to change your natural skin tone. Use sparingly for daytime, then add more or a deeper shade for a more dramatic nighttime effect. For special occasions, dust a lightly frosted powder over your cheekbones for a subtle but alluring glow.
Tip: Make sure to blend your blush into your foundation well or it will tend to look unnatural and add the appearance of 5 years to your looks.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
We're Back!
And we're stronger than ever! Sorry for the long sabbatical!! This past year has been wonderful and full of changes. My son was born last April and since then we've been on the go!
The Divas In The Kitchen has had a major overhaul and is spreading like wildfire! There are so many divas out there doing so many good things!
Then, there is HOT TOPS!(tm) - our bottlecap necklace fundraiser! We customize these bottlecaps to fit any design or logo, sell them to charities, schools and organizations, and help them raise money for their own cause!
Also, we're getting to re-launch our website: www.thedivasinthekitchen.com. Thanks to our web designer, Brent Friar of BNR Branding, we will have a new look coming soon.
Thank you for visiting us and start tuning in again!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Great tips!
Crying for you onion~
Chopping onions making you cry? Here is a great solution: Put your whole unpeeled onions in the freezer for about five minutes before chopping. Then peel and chop... no more tears!
Cleaning your toothbrush??
Even after rinsing your toothbrush there are still germs on it; I keep a cup of rubbing alcohol on the sink and after each use I dip the brush in it and leave it overnight. Next morning rinse it and use it again. Your breath is always clean.
Hiding Christmas~Great idea for older children
For the family members still living at home, I wrap presents and put numbers on them instead of names. That way I can put the presents under the Christmas tree and only have to hide the master list instead of hiding all the presents until Christmas.
White Tennis shoes~ Toothpaste is great for this!
To keep your tennis shoe soles clean, just take an old toothbrush and some toothpaste, and scrub around the soles. The dirt will come off -- even red mud. It works great!
Chopping onions making you cry? Here is a great solution: Put your whole unpeeled onions in the freezer for about five minutes before chopping. Then peel and chop... no more tears!
Cleaning your toothbrush??
Even after rinsing your toothbrush there are still germs on it; I keep a cup of rubbing alcohol on the sink and after each use I dip the brush in it and leave it overnight. Next morning rinse it and use it again. Your breath is always clean.
Hiding Christmas~Great idea for older children
For the family members still living at home, I wrap presents and put numbers on them instead of names. That way I can put the presents under the Christmas tree and only have to hide the master list instead of hiding all the presents until Christmas.
White Tennis shoes~ Toothpaste is great for this!
To keep your tennis shoe soles clean, just take an old toothbrush and some toothpaste, and scrub around the soles. The dirt will come off -- even red mud. It works great!
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Tips
Desk Organizer for Free~
I hate to throw away the clear medicine bottles we all get from the pharmacy. Arrange the different sizes to design a desk organizer that either stands up or lies on its side. Use a glue gun and carefully glue the bottles together. You could paint on them or spruce them up however you desire. It won't cost you a dime and you'll help the environment.
Stain Removers~
I put a little Oxy-clean on a stain, let it sit, then gently scrub with a toothbrush and a little water. Wash as usual after you treat the stain. The stains come out every time!
Great tip
Striped Popsicles~
Pour watermelon juice into popsicle containers until they are half full. Fill them to the top with unsweetened pineapple juice, then freeze. These are a sweet, low-sugar popsicle that will add a cooling and delicious juicy treat to your children's summer fun.
I love this idea!
Keeping Track of Passwords~
I like to store all my favorite website user names and passwords on a Rolodex wheel. It is a quick reminder. Let your fingers do the walking!
I hate to throw away the clear medicine bottles we all get from the pharmacy. Arrange the different sizes to design a desk organizer that either stands up or lies on its side. Use a glue gun and carefully glue the bottles together. You could paint on them or spruce them up however you desire. It won't cost you a dime and you'll help the environment.
Stain Removers~
I put a little Oxy-clean on a stain, let it sit, then gently scrub with a toothbrush and a little water. Wash as usual after you treat the stain. The stains come out every time!
Great tip
Striped Popsicles~
Pour watermelon juice into popsicle containers until they are half full. Fill them to the top with unsweetened pineapple juice, then freeze. These are a sweet, low-sugar popsicle that will add a cooling and delicious juicy treat to your children's summer fun.
I love this idea!
Keeping Track of Passwords~
I like to store all my favorite website user names and passwords on a Rolodex wheel. It is a quick reminder. Let your fingers do the walking!
Monday, April 27, 2009
Hunter's Closet - Consignment is All the Rage!
GRAND OPENING
HUNTER’S CLOSET
Kids Consignment Store
Opening Sat. May 2, 2009
1236 Hwy 16 N, Denver NC
(beside Captain’s Cap Restaurant)
Doors open 9:30 am – 3:00 pm
Brand Name Clothes & Accessories
Refreshments & Door Prizes
704.770.5829
hunterscloset@gmail.com
HUNTER’S CLOSET
Kids Consignment Store
Opening Sat. May 2, 2009
1236 Hwy 16 N, Denver NC
(beside Captain’s Cap Restaurant)
Doors open 9:30 am – 3:00 pm
Brand Name Clothes & Accessories
Refreshments & Door Prizes
704.770.5829
hunterscloset@gmail.com
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Lake Norman Divas
are on a mission to make a difference in their community. They just finished a book drive and donated them to the Ada Jenkins Center. They were very happy to receive the books! The adult books are for people to take, read and keep and the kids books are going into the after school area.
It is amazing---what a difference 1 group of Divas can make!
Join a chapter or start your own! It is simple and lots of fun to do with your girlfriends!
"Together we are making a difference."
It is amazing---what a difference 1 group of Divas can make!
Join a chapter or start your own! It is simple and lots of fun to do with your girlfriends!
"Together we are making a difference."
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
thrifty tips
Food Friendly
Brown bagging isn't just for your child any more. We as adults can pack a lunch. It is cost efficient and healthy to boot! Don't buy a prepackaged lunch they are rather expensive and not very nutritious.
Kids eat FREE!!
Many places offer a childs plate if buying a regular entree. A great way to save some money and not have to cook.
Clip a few coupons
You can either get the Sunday paper or join a coupon website. Check the local paper ads for the grocery store that you use and try using the coupons you have to buy whats in the ad.
Bulk up
Buy in bulk. Buying in bulk is agreat idea. You can save time and energy by doing this. Less time at the store, less gas and milage on your car. But be careful not to over buy because you think you getting a good deal!
Cards
Those wonderful store cards. Everybody has them. You carry about 15 or more of them on your key ring. You have one for every store you shop at! You could always just use your phone number. That is what my husband does.
Brown bagging isn't just for your child any more. We as adults can pack a lunch. It is cost efficient and healthy to boot! Don't buy a prepackaged lunch they are rather expensive and not very nutritious.
Kids eat FREE!!
Many places offer a childs plate if buying a regular entree. A great way to save some money and not have to cook.
Clip a few coupons
You can either get the Sunday paper or join a coupon website. Check the local paper ads for the grocery store that you use and try using the coupons you have to buy whats in the ad.
Bulk up
Buy in bulk. Buying in bulk is agreat idea. You can save time and energy by doing this. Less time at the store, less gas and milage on your car. But be careful not to over buy because you think you getting a good deal!
Cards
Those wonderful store cards. Everybody has them. You carry about 15 or more of them on your key ring. You have one for every store you shop at! You could always just use your phone number. That is what my husband does.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Earth Day 2009
Happy Earth Day 2009!
Earth Day is a day to recognize our Earth.
It is up to us to make some changes to help
preserve it!
What have you done for our earth?
What will you do for our earth?
"Together we are making a difference!"
Thursday, April 16, 2009
March For Babies
The March of Dimes is hosting it's annual March for Babies in downtown Charlotte on Saturday, April 25th. The walk begins at 10 am and is just under 4 miles.
Proceeds raised through the efforts of the walkers and corporate sponsors go to help the March of Dimes research many issues that effect babies today, including premature birth and low birth weight.
LakeNormanMommies.com is participating in the event for the second year. Last year, LakeNormanMommies.com raised just over $4,000. This year, we have raised $740 to date toward our $3,000 goal. If you would like to walk with our team, or make a donation towards our fundrasing efforts, please visit www.marchforbabies.org/lakenormanmommies.
"Together we are making a difference."
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Ten Tips to Reduce Your Risk of Cancer
Facts:
In 2008, an estimated 1.5 million people in the United States were diagnosed with cancer, including over 700,000 new cases in men and nearly the same number of new cases in women.
There were also over 650,000 cancer deaths last year, which ranks cancer second only to heart disease as a leading cause of death.
What is Cancer?
Cancer is caused by changes in genes that control the growth and death of cells. The disease develops when cells continue to grow and divide instead of dying off when they get older as they would normally do. As cancer cells multiply, they can damage nearby tissues and can also spread to other parts of the body and develop into new tumors.
While improvements in detection, diagnosis, and treatment have increased the survival rate for many types of cancer, we also encourage doing all you can do to prevent the disease as a core strategy of your prescription for optimal health.
Prevention: 10 things we can all do to reduce the risk of developing cancer:
1. Avoid tobacco products and second-hand smoke
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States for both men and women. Ironically, it’s also the most preventable type of cancer. Some 87-percent of lung cancer deaths are attributable to exposure to tobacco smoke including roughly 3,000 deaths each year in non-smokers due to second-hand smoke. Of the 45 million Americans who still smoke in 2007, 30-percent of male and 21-percent of female high school students reported using some form of tobacco in the prior month. If you smoke, take the necessary steps to quit for the health of you and your loved ones.
2. Achieve and maintain a healthy weight
Being overweight increases your chance of developing certain types of cancer, including cancer of the esophagus, colon and rectum, and pancreas. Obesity also increases the risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women by roughly 50-percent, and endometrial cancer by about three fold. And carrying too much extra body weight is believed to account for up to 30-percent of kidney cancers in both men and women. Make smart food choices, control portion sizes, and fill up on fruits and vegetables to help manage your healthy weight and reduce your risk of cancer.
3. Get moving
The American Cancer Society recommends regular exercise as a way to prevent cancer. Regular exercise burns calories and can help you reach and maintain a healthy weight. Pick something that gets and keeps you moving like walking, hiking, cycling, swimming, team sports, and even dancing. Consider biking or walking to work, or take a walk during your lunch break. Be sure to gradually work up to 30-45 minutes of exercise a day for five or more days per week.
4. Eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
Fruits and vegetables are naturally rich in dietary antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, and a whole family of carotenoids that may help to protect your healthy genes from oxidative damage. Recent research suggests that eating tomatoes may help to protect against developing prostate cancer, while eating cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and brussels sprouts may help to protect against bladder cancer. Fruits and vegetables are also rich in fiber which can speed the transit of food through the digestive system and may reduce the absorption of cancer-causing chemicals. So eating a wide variety of fruits and vegetables may be the best way to ensure broad spectrum protection.
5. Fresh is best
Until about 20 years ago, stomach cancer was the most common cancer worldwide, perhaps due to cultural preferences for eating large amounts of salt-preserved foods such as cured meats and pickled vegetables. This finding underscores the point that when it comes to eating most foods, it’s generally best to eat fresh rather than salted, cured, or pickled. In general, the less processed the food, the healthier it will be for you.
6. Limit alcohol intake
Excess alcohol consumption is associated with increased risks of cancers of the oral cavity, throat, voice box, esophagus, liver, breast, and possibly the colon and rectum. Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer diagnosed in women, and aside from carrying too much body weight, alcohol intake is the only other established risk factor for this disease. It’s recommended that men who drink alcohol should limit their intake to no more than 2 drinks per day, while women should limit their intake to no more than 1 drink daily.
7. Practice sun safety and check for changes in your skin
Ultraviolet radiation from the sun is damaging to your skin. The genetic damage it can cause to skin cells can lead to skin cancer, a disease that is increasingly common, especially among young people. Be aware that the sun’s peak time is between 10 am and 3 pm and that sunlight exposure can be intensified by up to 50-percent when reflected from sand, water, snow, ice, and concrete. When outdoors, cover up exposed areas and wear sun screen with an SPF of 15 or more. Know your skin and be aware of the location, size, and shape of moles and skin spots, and report any changes promptly to your physician.
8. Reduce your exposure to potential carcinogens
There are many substances in the environment with the potential to put you at higher risk for developing cancer. On the job, minimize your exposure to fumes, dust, solvents, and chemicals. Try to reduce your everyday exposure to potentially-toxic environmental chemicals in the home and…
Dust and vacuum regularly to rid your home of toxins attracted to dust
Open windows and use fresh air to freshen and minimize indoor pollution
Filter your drinking water to remove pollutants
Switch to green cleaning products that are safe but still powerful
9. Know your family history and get screened
Some 5-10-percent of cancers are due to a genetic predisposition to cancer. Family history is a risk factor for common types of cancer including breast, ovarian, colon, and prostate cancer. If you have a family history of cancer your physician may recommend genetic testing to see if you have the type of gene that can increase your chance of developing cancer. For individuals with an average risk of cancer, the following cancer screening guidelines are recommended:
Breast cancer: Women should begin yearly mammograms at age 40 and conduct regular breast self exams starting in the 20’s.
Colon and rectal cancer: Men and women should have one or more screening tests including a colonoscopy starting at age 50.
Cervical cancer: All women should begin cervical cancer screening no later than 21 years of age.
Prostate cancer: Men should have the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test and digital rectal examination annually beginning at age 50.
10. Choose your dietary supplements wisely
Whether it’s vitamin D, folic acid, calcium, the antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, and the carotenoids, fiber, or emerging phytochemicals, nutrition surveys have made it clear that your diet is unlikely to be providing all the essential nutrients and other dietary factors you need to be at your healthiest. And dietary supplement studies have yielded compelling evidence that supplements can help to reduce the chance of developing cancer in undernourished individuals.
In 2008, an estimated 1.5 million people in the United States were diagnosed with cancer, including over 700,000 new cases in men and nearly the same number of new cases in women.
There were also over 650,000 cancer deaths last year, which ranks cancer second only to heart disease as a leading cause of death.
What is Cancer?
Cancer is caused by changes in genes that control the growth and death of cells. The disease develops when cells continue to grow and divide instead of dying off when they get older as they would normally do. As cancer cells multiply, they can damage nearby tissues and can also spread to other parts of the body and develop into new tumors.
While improvements in detection, diagnosis, and treatment have increased the survival rate for many types of cancer, we also encourage doing all you can do to prevent the disease as a core strategy of your prescription for optimal health.
Prevention: 10 things we can all do to reduce the risk of developing cancer:
1. Avoid tobacco products and second-hand smoke
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States for both men and women. Ironically, it’s also the most preventable type of cancer. Some 87-percent of lung cancer deaths are attributable to exposure to tobacco smoke including roughly 3,000 deaths each year in non-smokers due to second-hand smoke. Of the 45 million Americans who still smoke in 2007, 30-percent of male and 21-percent of female high school students reported using some form of tobacco in the prior month. If you smoke, take the necessary steps to quit for the health of you and your loved ones.
2. Achieve and maintain a healthy weight
Being overweight increases your chance of developing certain types of cancer, including cancer of the esophagus, colon and rectum, and pancreas. Obesity also increases the risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women by roughly 50-percent, and endometrial cancer by about three fold. And carrying too much extra body weight is believed to account for up to 30-percent of kidney cancers in both men and women. Make smart food choices, control portion sizes, and fill up on fruits and vegetables to help manage your healthy weight and reduce your risk of cancer.
3. Get moving
The American Cancer Society recommends regular exercise as a way to prevent cancer. Regular exercise burns calories and can help you reach and maintain a healthy weight. Pick something that gets and keeps you moving like walking, hiking, cycling, swimming, team sports, and even dancing. Consider biking or walking to work, or take a walk during your lunch break. Be sure to gradually work up to 30-45 minutes of exercise a day for five or more days per week.
4. Eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
Fruits and vegetables are naturally rich in dietary antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, and a whole family of carotenoids that may help to protect your healthy genes from oxidative damage. Recent research suggests that eating tomatoes may help to protect against developing prostate cancer, while eating cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and brussels sprouts may help to protect against bladder cancer. Fruits and vegetables are also rich in fiber which can speed the transit of food through the digestive system and may reduce the absorption of cancer-causing chemicals. So eating a wide variety of fruits and vegetables may be the best way to ensure broad spectrum protection.
5. Fresh is best
Until about 20 years ago, stomach cancer was the most common cancer worldwide, perhaps due to cultural preferences for eating large amounts of salt-preserved foods such as cured meats and pickled vegetables. This finding underscores the point that when it comes to eating most foods, it’s generally best to eat fresh rather than salted, cured, or pickled. In general, the less processed the food, the healthier it will be for you.
6. Limit alcohol intake
Excess alcohol consumption is associated with increased risks of cancers of the oral cavity, throat, voice box, esophagus, liver, breast, and possibly the colon and rectum. Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer diagnosed in women, and aside from carrying too much body weight, alcohol intake is the only other established risk factor for this disease. It’s recommended that men who drink alcohol should limit their intake to no more than 2 drinks per day, while women should limit their intake to no more than 1 drink daily.
7. Practice sun safety and check for changes in your skin
Ultraviolet radiation from the sun is damaging to your skin. The genetic damage it can cause to skin cells can lead to skin cancer, a disease that is increasingly common, especially among young people. Be aware that the sun’s peak time is between 10 am and 3 pm and that sunlight exposure can be intensified by up to 50-percent when reflected from sand, water, snow, ice, and concrete. When outdoors, cover up exposed areas and wear sun screen with an SPF of 15 or more. Know your skin and be aware of the location, size, and shape of moles and skin spots, and report any changes promptly to your physician.
8. Reduce your exposure to potential carcinogens
There are many substances in the environment with the potential to put you at higher risk for developing cancer. On the job, minimize your exposure to fumes, dust, solvents, and chemicals. Try to reduce your everyday exposure to potentially-toxic environmental chemicals in the home and…
Dust and vacuum regularly to rid your home of toxins attracted to dust
Open windows and use fresh air to freshen and minimize indoor pollution
Filter your drinking water to remove pollutants
Switch to green cleaning products that are safe but still powerful
9. Know your family history and get screened
Some 5-10-percent of cancers are due to a genetic predisposition to cancer. Family history is a risk factor for common types of cancer including breast, ovarian, colon, and prostate cancer. If you have a family history of cancer your physician may recommend genetic testing to see if you have the type of gene that can increase your chance of developing cancer. For individuals with an average risk of cancer, the following cancer screening guidelines are recommended:
Breast cancer: Women should begin yearly mammograms at age 40 and conduct regular breast self exams starting in the 20’s.
Colon and rectal cancer: Men and women should have one or more screening tests including a colonoscopy starting at age 50.
Cervical cancer: All women should begin cervical cancer screening no later than 21 years of age.
Prostate cancer: Men should have the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test and digital rectal examination annually beginning at age 50.
10. Choose your dietary supplements wisely
Whether it’s vitamin D, folic acid, calcium, the antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, and the carotenoids, fiber, or emerging phytochemicals, nutrition surveys have made it clear that your diet is unlikely to be providing all the essential nutrients and other dietary factors you need to be at your healthiest. And dietary supplement studies have yielded compelling evidence that supplements can help to reduce the chance of developing cancer in undernourished individuals.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
EGGSELLENT EVENTS!
Underwater Egg Hunt
Rays Splash Planet April 2
10 a.m. til 1230 p.m. OR 5 p.m. til 7 p.m.
Children will be hunting for Easter eggs in Splash Park. Photos with the Easter Bunny will be taken and prizes given away!
The cost is $10 per child.
Bunny Trail Train Ride and Egg Hunt
521 Rec Center at Elon Park April 11
10 a.m. til 1 p.m.
Come join Peter Cotton Tail in a tour of his home on his Choo-Choo Train while hunting for eggs!
The cost is $5 per child.
Egg Hunt
Mallard Creek Recreation Center April 9
9 a.m. til 10 a.m.
Bunny hop while searching for eggs! Some filled with prizes. Plus eat a healthy snack that is provided.
The cost is $3 member/ $6 nonmember.
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Easy Chicken Pasta
American Red Cross
